European powers held conferences to regulate their competition in Africa, although African peoples were excluded from decisions about their own territories.
Berlin Conference
The conference discussed trade, navigation, the Congo Basin and rules for recognizing European occupation. The principle of effective occupation encouraged powers to establish administrations.
Main Effects
- European claims were formalized and competition was regulated.
- The Congo Free State was recognized under King Leopold II.
- The conference accelerated the partition and colonization of Africa.
- African sovereignty was ignored.
Brussels Conference of 1890
The Brussels Conference followed the Berlin meeting and focused particularly on measures against the slave trade and the movement of arms. Its decisions also increased European intervention.
Assessment
The conferences were presented as efforts to regulate trade and humanitarian concerns, but they mainly facilitated European occupation and exploitation.
